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Harris S. Ammerman
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Harris S. Ammerman
The Bankruptcy Law Firm
1115 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 638-0606 | Fax: (202) 638-5858
http://www.ammermangoldberg.com
STOP FORECLOSURE, DC, MD, VA, 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
We prefer to take on consumer bankruptcy, real estate, and contracts cases.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Collections & Repossessions
- Credit Disputes
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Chapter 11
- Business Bankruptcy
- Credit Repair
- Credit Restoration
- Creditor Harassment
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
DC, Feb 1974
Bar Number: 04141
Specialty Certifications
None.
Other Court Admissions
Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia.
Association Memberships
District of Columbia Bar; Maryland Bar; and the Virginia Bar.
Continuing Education
I participate regularly in continuing legal education seminars in Consumer Bankruptcy Issues.
Papers and Publications
None.
Example Cases
Chapter 7 bankruptcy may eliminate most kinds of unsecured debt. Some examples of unsecured debts are credit cards; medical bills; most personal loans; judgments resulting from car accidents; and deficiencies on repossessed vehicles.
In addition to getting rid of your debt, you typically can keep all of your property. As long as your car and mortgage payments are current, and there is no significant equity in your property, we should have no problem making the arrangements for you to reaffirm the debt. Keep your home, keep your car, keep your personal belongings, but eliminate your debt; that is our goal. Legal Helpers may be able to use Chapter 7 to provide you with many benefits.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is an interest-free debt repayment plan through which you consolidate your debts and make a payment on your debt over a 3 to 5 year period. While in a Chapter 13 debt repayment plan, the creditors cannot collect from you, and the creditors are required by a Federal Court order to adhere to the terms of the plan.
One very important thing to remember about Chapter 13 bankruptcy is that you must be working or have a consistent source of income for your repayment plan to be approved by the court. Not only must you be able to pay for your monthly living expenses, but you must also be able to make a payment to the court to consolidate your debts.
Debts that are generally consolidated in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy are mortgage arrears, balances on vehicle loans, student loans, credit card debts and other unsecured debts. All outstanding debts must be included in the Chapter 13 consolidation.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
George Washington University National Law Center
City:
Washington
State:
DC
Year:
1972
Degree:
B.S. - Journalism
School:
Temple University
City:
Philadelphia
State:
PA
Year:
1966
Degree:
M.A.
School:
Temple University
City:
Philadelphia
State:
PA
Year:
1970
Number of Attorneys
3
State Licensed In
Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
Firm Focus and History
The law firm of Ammerman & Goldberg was established in 1986. Our firm offers a sophisticated consumer bankruptcy law practice in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia metropolitan area. The firm's consumer bankruptcy law practice group has a large client base and now represents over 1000 new clients each year in consumer bankruptcy matters. The firm's bankruptcy attorneys only handle Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 consumer bankruptcy law cases. So, when our clients file bankruptcy, they are assured that their case is being handled by an experienced consumer bankruptcy attorney.
We focus on consumer bankruptcy including Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy services. We offer a free 24-hour bankruptcy information line to answer many of your questions. Additionally, we respond to client inquiries six days a week so that we are always available for our clients. We believe that our best source of future business is through referrals from satisfied clients like you.
Previous Employment Summary
In 1973, I was law clerk for the Hon. Judge Roszel C. Thomsen, in the U.S. District Court for Maryland. I have been in private practice since 1978.
Activities and Awards
I am AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell. I am also a board member of the Consumer Bankruptcy Division of the Maryland Bar Association.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
We suggest that clients learn as much as possible to understand their legal options.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
No, we are prohibited from doing so.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
No, we are prohibited from doing so.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I decided to become a lawyer after having worked for a time as a journalist. I felt law would enable me to work with people and help them improve their lives while at the same time affording me a reasonable living. I have never been disappointed with that decision.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
After graduation from George Washington Law Center, I became a law clerk to a United States District Judge in Baltimore, Md. Thereafter I entered public service as a staff attorney for the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission where I worked for five years. In 1978 I entered the private practice of law and accepted a variety of cases in civil law. I gradually developed the ability to work with many different people on a wide range of activities. I have been able to develop a very sophisticated approach to the practice of law as it relates to consumer bankruptcy issues.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I think bankruptcy is fundamental to the capitalist system and to our social contract. Bankruptcy allows people to fail while having a chance for a fresh start. If people did not have the chance for a fresh start, they would not take the risks necessary to be successful in a free society. I like that honest debtors who have financial reverses through no fault of their own can get a fresh start. I like to help them get out of financial trouble as get the fresh start they deserve.
What do you like best about your career?
I am pleased that after many years of practice I have the ability to change people's lives and redirect them to a more resourceful new beginning.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am very proud of our outstanding people. All of our lawyers are top graduates from top schools. Every client can be assured that one of our highly skilled attorneys will represent them with care, kindness, courtesy, respect, professionalism and dedication. We have three paralegals who assure that clients tend to all details required in their cases. Moreover, we can and do conduct business with our clients in Spanish and Korean.
What are your strengths and style?
Our strengths start from treating clients with care. This means that we treat their cases carefully and our clients caringly. We show our clients kindness in the time of their financial difficulty. We treat all of our clients with the utmost courtesy and not as though they are just another record number or file passing through. We give our clients the respect and dignity they deserve. We treat all matters with professionalism. We codify our practices so that clients can know what to expect and so that things don't fall through the cracks. And we are dedicated to knowing our clients, their objectives and achieving them on a prompt and economical basis.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy traveling with my wife, both in the United States and abroad, horseback riding, reading, and sports in which my 14 year old son participates.
Office Manager/Assistant
Mauricio Dela Rosa
Fax
(202) 638-5858
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Weekends available if necessary
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Yes, Spanish and Korean.
Additional Offices
Information coming soon., VA
Information coming soon., VA
(703) 550-7030
Information coming soon., MD
Information coming soon., MD
(301) 890-4500
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
We offer low flat fees that we allow you to pay through a flexible payment plan that suits your budget.
The term "standard fee" needs to be defined: Clients and attorneys negotiate fees based on several factors, including the lawyer's experience and reputation, the type of legal problem, and what other local lawyers charge for similar work. There may be a local "going rate" for a certain type of job such as filing a bankruptcy but rates and terms are subject to many factors.
Hourly Rates
Not applicable.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, we offer a free initial consultation.
Typical Retainer
No, we do not have a typical retainer.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
